Mayor: East Atlanta Transit Projects Require Tax

A host of MARTA projects throughout east Atlanta – including a light rail or rapid bus system directly into downtown – may never become a reality unless East Atlanta residents – and voters across the region – approve a one-cent-sales-tax next year.

“What we’re doing is complex and hard, and it’s something that’s never been done in the history of Georgia,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who attended a regional transit meeting of local mayors and legislators Wednesday night.

“But we’re not spending our energy and time on issues that are small," Reed added. "If we succeed on these issues surrounding transportation, we’re going to have a 10- to 20-year period of prosperity that is unmatched in Georgia’s past.”

The meeting, held in the old Atlanta City Hall council chambers, was organized by metro Atlanta leaders to build support for the special local option sales tax (SPLOST). Several metro counties and municipalities have submitted multi-million-dollar “wish lists” of projects for their area, which could be funded if voters approve the SPLOST next year.

A final list of projects will be released in August.

Here is a list of East Atlanta-area projects that are being considered:

• A light rail or rapid bus system running along I-20 through the East Atlanta and Glenwood Park neighborhoods into downtown;
• A transit system along the same route on I-20 but connecting directly with MARTA's Edgewood-Candler Park station; and
• Extending the MARTA line that ends at Indian Creek down I-285 and then east along I-20 to Stonecrest.

MARTA also has different transportation scenarios, including buses, trolleys and heavy rail to the King Memorial or Inman Park stations, under consideration that would link to whatever is built on I-20.